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Play Analysis
Please feel free to answer the questions in complete sentences or in bullet points. Just be clear Please do not simply answer "no" if the question doesn't apply.
Description
A writing exercise to help find the objectives of your character.
Materials
the script, paper, a comfortable place to sit and write
When do I live?
Where do I live?
What is my socioeconomic background?
What do I do for work?
What do other people say about me?
Am I religious, political or a member of another organized social group?
What kind of self-esteem do I have?
How do I relate to the outside world?
What props or scenic elements do I relate to?
What is the first information the audience learns about me? When do they lean that? From whom?
Are there big changes for me?
How old am I?
Do I have a deep secret? What is it?
now:
Character Exercise
a) Go through the script and write down everything the character says about themselves, what other characters say about them, and what the author says about him. Please use direct quote and cite pages numbers.
b) Reread what you wrote down in "part a" and make a list of adjectives about this character.
c) Narrow this list down to three or four BIG ADJECTIVES that separate this character from any other character. These are the adjectives that drive the character - forcing him to do what he or she does throughout the play. This is what you will need to connect with to play this character. GO FOR THE BIGGIES!! Write these down
d) Find in the script what you don't believe in (use your heart). This could be one of the adjectives, something the character does, etc. Find what you need to connect with to play this role. This is where your work will begin. Please write this down.
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Optional work:
e) Sit in a chair and relax.
f) Speak out-loud, in the first person, and fill out these things you need to connect with.
g) Create specific instances as to why your character is the way they are; how they became this way, etc. Make sure that you create specific "memories" - or images - that relate to the play and the playwright's given circumstances. Use the adjectives that you discovered above. You must be specific. Write down this list.
h) At first you will get a lot of junk and you may get frustrated. Do not sensor! Use everything. YOU ARE WORKING YOUR IMAGINATION.
i) Only deal with the things that you need to play that role.
j) Eventually after 6 or 7 days, 30 mins/day of this, things will happen - providing you work this way and that you are not lazy.
k) After about the 7th day, YOU WILL MAKE A TREMENDOUS DISCOVERY! THIS WILL GIVE YOU YOUR CHARACTER'S SUPER OBJECTIVE - THE PATH THROUGH THE ENTIRE PLAY!
l) You will use these specific stories that you have created as images, subtext, emotional memories, etc. as you play your role.
m) This exercise leads you on an emotional train that helps you figure out what the character's wants and needs are. Then you will know him. You can put your character in any situation and you will know what he would do and how he would react. You have found the soul of your character.